Researchers

Our lab examines the neural basis of substance use and eating disorders, as well as a range of related sequelae (e.g. anxiety, depression, sleep dysregulation). We take a mechanistic approach to these questions, combining animal behavioral models with modern neuroscience techniques. We also have a strong interest in drug-development, and thus place a specific emphasis on carrying out discovery research that can directly guide and inform clinical outcomes. Most of our current work focuses on the hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin system, which we believe holds significant promise as a target for new medications to manage substance use disorder and food overconsumption.